The following information pertains to Singapore's U.S. visa application process for Singapore residents as of my most recent update in September 2021. Visa processes and requirements may change over time; therefore, it is essential to consult the official websites of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Singapore for the most up-to-date information.
The United States offers a variety of visas, such as visitor visas (B-1/B-2) and student visas (F-1). The visa category for which you must apply depends on the purpose of your trip to the United States.
You must submit the DS-160 online application form for most nonimmigrant visa categories. It is required as part of the visa application procedure and must be filled out accurately and truthfully.
The non-refundable visa application fee must be paid before scheduling the visa interview. The payment method and amount differ according to the visa type you are applying for.
After paying the visa fee, you must make an appointment for a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore. Interview preparation is essential, as it is a crucial phase in the hiring process.
On the day of your interview, bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt, and any supporting documents related to your visa category to the U.S. Embassy.
Applicants may be required to submit biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph, at the U.S. Embassy in certain circumstances.
The processing time for U.S. visas can vary based on visa type and volume of applications. You should apply for the visa well in advance of your departure date.
If your visa application is approved, the U.S. Embassy will issue your passport with a visa, allowing you to travel to the United States. If your application is denied, the consular officer will explain.
It is essential to examine the specific requirements and procedures for the visa type you are applying for, as each category may have additional documentation or requirements. To avoid problems during the visa application procedure, you must also be honest and precise in your application and interview responses.
Visit the official website of the U.S. Embassy in Singapore for the most current and comprehensive information regarding the U.S. visa application process in Singapore:
Passport holders from the following nations traveling to the United States are eligible for the visa waiver program.
Nationals of the Visa Waiver Program do not need a visa to enter the United States. Still, they must first acquire travel authorization approval from US Customs and Border Protection.
Andorra | Australia | Austria | Belgium | Brunei | Chile |
Czech Republic | Denmark | Estonia | Finland | France | Germany |
Greece | Hungary | Iceland | Ireland | Italy | Japan |
Latvia | Liechtenstein | Lithuania | Luxembourg | Monaco | Netherlands |
New Zealand | Norway | Portugal | Republic of Malta | San Marino | Singapore |
Slovakia | Slovenia | South Korea | Spain | Sweden | Switzerland |
Taiwan [1] | United Kingdom | ||||
[1] With respect to all references to "country" or "countries" in this document, it should be noted that the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, Pub. L. No. 96-8, Section 4(b)(1), provides that "[w]henever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan." 22 U.S.C. § 3303(b)(1). Accordingly, all references to "country" or "countries" in the Visa Waiver Program authorizing legislation, Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1187, are read to include Taiwan. This is consistent with the United States' one-China policy, under which the United States has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan since 1979. |
Any applicant should be required to meet the following requirements to apply for electronic authorization.
Applicants for whom the ESTA applications are valid for two years or until the expiration of the present passport, whichever occurs first. Within this allotted approval period, applicants receive numerous submissions.
For each entry, the applicant is permitted to stay in the US for 90 days. However, the Immigration Officer may, in some circumstances, limit a visitor's stay in the US to fewer than 90 days after their arrival.
To apply for an ESTA, applicants must meet the standards below.
The ESTA typically takes 24 to 72 hours to process. However, permission will often be given within one working day. Occasionally, it could last for a longer time.
Therefore, candidates must submit an ESTA application as soon as a trip to the United States is scheduled under the Visa Waiver Program.
Generally, ESTA is applied to the below scenarios
If any of the abovementioned changes occur, the applicant must submit a new ESTA application.